I am a mobile DJ that does mostly weddings and school dances. I currently use two F1 systems for my "main rig", and use my two L1 Compacts for outdoor wedding ceremonies or remote sound if needed. Would it be best to keep my current L1 Compact systems, or sell them and get two S1 Pro speakers instead?
The L1c is more powerful than the S1pro. I have and use both. You could do with the S1 and F1 rig, but you'd probably miss the spread of the L1c's sound. Don't forget you'll need speaker stands for the S1's, where you don't need them with the L1c.
Hi Ryan
I DJ weddings as well, I have pairs of both Compacts and S1 Pro speakers. I use the S1 Pros for outdoor ceremonies with no power available, in my area we do many outdoor ceremonies, the battery option is really helpful as I have a fully battery powered rack to go along with the S1 Pros.
I am also using the S1 Pros with my wireless xvive system as a battery or AC fill speaker. Really easy to carry and place around a room that needs fill sound.
I place the S1 Pros on tripods with black or white scrims as needed, they look really nice, sound great, and clients are impressed with the Bose logo.
I still use my Compacts for ceremonies needing a bit more throw, fills, and for live performing vocal / acoustic guitar (with my T1 mixer), great speaker.
Last wedding season, the compacts stayed in the garage and the S1 Pros went to every wedding.
Good luck!
Hi, Ryan Martindale.
Ryan Martindale posted:I am a mobile DJ that does mostly weddings and school dances. I currently use two F1 systems for my "main rig", and use my two L1 Compacts for outdoor wedding ceremonies or remote sound if needed. Would it be best to keep my current L1 Compact systems, or sell them and get two S1 Pro speakers instead?
Bose conservatively suggests the S1 Pro for audiences up to 50 people and the L1 Compact for audiences up to 100.
I've got both. Here are the questions I ask as I decide which to take to a gig.
Is reliable AC Power available?
Yes: L1 Compact
No: S1 Pro
How big is the audience area?
Bigger -> L1 Compact
Smaller -> S1 Pro
What is the shape of the audience area?
Wider than long -> Compact
Longer than wide but less than 50 people -> S1 Pro
Will I need speaker stands?
Yes -> L1 Compact (and then I won't need the speaker stands).
If I can do the job with one L1 Compact or two S1 Pro systems
I'll probably take the one L1 Compact
Load-in, load-out access?
The harder the load-in, see immediately above
Do I need robust bass response?
Yes - F1 Model 812
Less - L1 Compact
Less than that - S1 Pro
Spoken word for less than 50 people
S1 Pro
Do I need a simple remote speaker?
S1 Pro (with a wireless transmitter/receiver)
I like the S1 Pro a lot, but if in doubt (and there's AC power) I take an L1 Compact.
If I could have only two L1 Compacts or two S1 Pro systems and I didn't have a burning need to run without AC power, I'd keep the L1 Compacts.
If I could get two S1 Pro systems and keep one L1 Compact, I'd consider doing that.
If I could get one S1 Pro system and keep two L1 Compacts, I'd consider doing that.
You've told us "I currently use two F1 systems for my "main rig", and use my two L1 Compacts for outdoor wedding ceremonies or remote sound if needed."
It's great to be able to run without AC power using the S1 Pro systems and maybe that's where you start. Keep the L1 Compacts, and get an S1 Pro so you can do head-to-head comparisons and get some first-hand experience with the S1 Pro. If you get the S1 Pro from Bose you have a no-questions-asked return policy. Bose authorized dealers have (possibly different) return policies too.
Here's a Comparison of the L1 Compact and the S1 Pro
ST
.. from Bose
Satisfaction is guaranteed on all Bose® products purchased by consumers directly from Bose. We want you to be thrilled, so if you're not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply return it within the 30-day* trial period for a full refund.
*45 days for L1® systems.
-- Source: Returning an Order Bose Returns
If you are looking to purchase a system through an authorized Bose dealer, please consult with them regarding their return policy.
One further comment I would make regarding the 50 person limit for the S1Pro with regard to wedding ceremonies
In my experience and opinion the use cases for the 50 person threshold really depends on the program material and the type of event being supported.
I have used two S1Pros on tripods for 100 up to 150 people at an outdoor wedding ceremony many times with great success. For that application there is little or no background noise threshold to overcome, I simply need to send out some background music, cover an officiant mic, and usually a rousing recessional song. In my experience there is more than enough SPL provided by the S1 Pros to cover the event.
In fact, I have had more than one officiant, and mother of the bride ask me to turn down... 🙂
Some of my setup pic's below...
I had been using the compacts for wedding ceremonies for years. They were fantastic.
but the s1 pro’s take the ceremony process to the next level.
due to the lack of ambient noise, I’ve not done one ceremony that an s1 pro wasn’t loud enough for. I’ve used 2 a few times, but didn’t really need it.
the biggest advantage is battery power. It changes everything. Now, I don’t need to even wonder about power or running of cords. With weather, I can have the equipment inside until the last possible moment in case of blazing sun or storm clouds.
I use battery powered receivers for my wireless mics.
it’s common now that after a ceremony, I’ll use an s1pro as a remote speaker on a patio for cocktail music. Being so easy to move around....and not needing to rely on power, it’s easy to do
still love my compacts, but for a ceremony, nothing beats my s1pro’s.